‘Tottenham embarrass Man United with stunning Mathys Tel update before deadline’
Man United look to have been embarrassed in this transfer window after missing out on one of their targets Mathys Tel, who is now set to join Tottenham.
The Red Devils have made just two signings so far in defenders Patrick Dorgu and young talent Ayden Heaven.
Despite the departure of forwards Antony and Marcus Rashford, United are not expected to make any further signings, leaving them with a weak forward line.
Tel made a major u-turn in deciding to join Spurs on what was thought to be a straight loan, but it has now emerged that a permanent option is included [Sky Sports].
David Ornstein has since reported via The Athletic that the option is for a £45.7million transfer and a six-year contract if triggered.
United will be left to rely on the underperforming duo of Rasmus Hojlund and Joshua Zirkzee as their current options. This only adds to the frustration and embarrassment over their lack of ambition this January.
Man United excuses for a poor transfer window
Reports suggested United passed on Tel because they couldn’t get a permanent transfer option included as it would amount to developing a rival club’s player for them, but now that news has emerged that Spurs will get that option it appears INEOS and United have missed out.
Man United briefing that they are “happy with their current options” has been branded little more than PR, potentially to mask their shortcomings, which is hard to argue against.
Did the club fail to convince the young talent, or did they put too much faith in their current strike force? Hojlund and Zirkzee have scored just five Premier League goals between them this season, while the team as a whole has only netted 28 goals—a dismal stat that underscores their attacking woes.
With a focus on strengthening the left-back position, Ruben Amorim’s first transfer window at the club has fallen short of expectations. United’s reluctance to push for a deal with Tel seems even more baffling considering the departures in forward positions.
While some may argue that January deals are difficult to make, United only need to look at their neighbours, who spent £59 million on Omar Marmoush [BBC Sport], to see that investments can be made.
Ultimately, the club’s current position leaves them weaker than when the window began, and with some suggesting they will wait until the summer for a major signing, it remains to be seen if they will make the necessary moves or endure another embarrassing window.
Amorim’s side are thought to have been a preferred move for Tel, and while it may have been understandable to hold back if it was only possible to land a straight loan they have been left looking foolish with the latest news around Ange Postecoglou’s side in North London.
In other news, Stoke City have resurrected a move for a Manchester United midfielder on deadline day.
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